During the recovery journey from an eating disorder, it can often feel overwhelming and isolating, feeling like there is little room for anything outside of recovery itself. However, creating space for activities beyond direct treatment is not only possible, but vital to the healing process.
Formerly known as The Art of Hope, the Creating Spaces campaign supports Hopewell's Expressive Arts and Joyful Movement programs. These vital initiatives promote creativity, healing, and well-being for individuals recovering from eating disorders in our community.
Our goal is to raise $8,000 to fund transformative programs year-round, providing at least 24 program spots for participants each season. Your generosity directly opens doors to these empowering experiences.
How to Get Involved:
Donate $20 or more to receive a tax receipt and be entered into a draw to win a grand prize.
Donate $50 or more to receive a tax receipt, an entry into the grand prize draw, plus a mystery gift to show our gratitude (while quantities last).
Grand Prize: Valued at over $350, this incredible prize includes local gift cards, unique art, and handmade artisanal items.
Mystery gift: This mystery package will include handmade artisanal items and cheerful trinkets.
Stay tuned for sneak peeks and more details!
Thanks to our sponsor, Summa Strategies, every dollar you donate will be matched up to a campaign total of $1,500. For example, if you contribute $50, Summa Strategies will add another $50—doubling your impact.
Most people with eating disorders in Ontario are never hospitalized, despite the serious nature of these illnesses. Less than 10% of those affected receive inpatient care, while the vast majority struggle without access to timely, specialized treatment. Long wait times, limited services, and insufficient capacity leave many without the help they need. This campaign not only raises awareness of eating disorders but also highlights the urgent need for accessible and comprehensive treatment and service options, ensuring that individuals receive support before reaching a critical stage in their illness.
Creating Spaces Champion:
Benet's Race to Break Records and Break Stigma
Benet Avery knows firsthand the struggle of living with an eating disorder. In her early teenage years, she fought a difficult battle, but found an unexpected source of healing through running. What began as a way to process her emotions soon became a powerful tool to shift her mindset—from restriction to nourishment. Today, Benet is a fierce advocate for embracing movement not as a chore, but as something joyful and liberating, and celebrating activities that fuel the body and allow it to thrive.
As part of her mission to raise awareness about eating disorders, Benet has set an extraordinary challenge for herself: to break the Guinness World Record for running the longest distance in a hospital gown! On October 20th, she’ll lace up her shoes for the Toronto Marathon and embark on this journey. Along the way, she’ll be sharing her thoughts, experiences, and inspiration with us, and we can’t wait to share them with you.
Benet’s race isn’t just about setting records—it’s about breaking the stigma surrounding eating disorders. Support her as she runs for a cause close to her heart!
Follow our campaign champion, Bennet, as she shares her inspiring story and embarks on a journey to set a world record! Watch her video, connect on social media, and cheer her on as she helps us create meaningful change.
Creating Spaces, previously known as The Art of Hope, was established in memory of Sian Bolliger, honoring her artistic legacy. This initiative raises essential funds to support community-based programs for individuals facing eating disorders, fostering hope and healing through creative expression and joyful movement.
FAQs
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The campaign will launch on Friday, September 20, 2024
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The campaign will close on Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at midnight.
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The grand prize winner will be announced on Thursday, December 5, 2024
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The winning prize must be collected during business hours at Heartwood House, 404 McArthur Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1K 1G8.